CVE-2015-5612 in October
Summary
by MITRE
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerability in October CMS build 271 and earlier allows remote attackers to inject arbitrary web script or HTML via the caption tag of a profile image.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 06/14/2022
The CVE-2015-5612 vulnerability represents a critical cross-site scripting flaw discovered in October CMS versions 271 and earlier, specifically targeting the handling of profile image captions. This vulnerability exists within the content management system's user interface processing mechanisms where user-supplied data is not properly sanitized before being rendered back to web browsers. The flaw allows remote attackers to execute malicious scripts in the context of other users' browsers, potentially leading to session hijacking, data theft, or unauthorized actions within the CMS environment. The vulnerability specifically manifests when the system processes the caption attribute associated with profile images, treating user input as trusted content without adequate validation or encoding measures.
This XSS vulnerability operates through the exploitation of improper input sanitization within October CMS's image handling functionality. When administrators or users upload profile images with captions containing malicious script code, the system fails to properly escape or validate the caption content before displaying it within the web interface. The attack vector leverages the fact that the CMS does not implement proper output encoding for user-generated content, particularly within HTML attributes and content areas where the caption data is rendered. This allows attackers to inject javascript code, html tags, or other malicious payloads that execute when other users view the affected profile pages. The vulnerability is classified as a reflected XSS issue under CWE-79, which specifically addresses improper neutralization of input during web page generation.
The operational impact of CVE-2015-5612 extends beyond simple script injection, potentially enabling attackers to escalate privileges within the CMS environment. An attacker who successfully exploits this vulnerability could gain access to user sessions, modify content, or even execute administrative commands if they can target privileged accounts. The vulnerability affects the core user management functionality of October CMS, making it particularly dangerous for organizations relying on the platform for content management. The risk is amplified by the fact that profile images are commonly used in user-facing interfaces, increasing the attack surface and potential exposure. This vulnerability aligns with ATT&CK technique T1566.001 for initial access through spearphishing attachments, as attackers could leverage the XSS to redirect users to malicious sites or harvest credentials from authenticated sessions.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2015-5612 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and output encoding mechanisms. Organizations should upgrade to October CMS version 272 or later, which includes the necessary patches to address the XSS vulnerability. System administrators must implement comprehensive content sanitization policies that enforce strict validation of all user-supplied data, particularly in HTML attributes and content areas. The recommended approach involves implementing proper HTML escaping techniques using libraries such as HTMLPurifier or similar content sanitization tools. Additionally, organizations should consider implementing content security policies that restrict script execution and limit the attack surface for XSS vulnerabilities. Network monitoring should be enhanced to detect suspicious patterns in user uploads or profile modifications, while regular security audits should verify that all user input is properly sanitized before processing or display. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation and output encoding in web applications, aligning with security best practices outlined in OWASP Top 10 and NIST cybersecurity guidelines for preventing cross-site scripting attacks.